In the news1771
The 1771 Moscow Plague Epidemic
A devastating bubonic plague epidemic killed between 52,000 and 100,000 people in Moscow, about one-sixth to one-third of the city's population.
1773 – Tallinn, 15 Sep 1834
5 facts1 source
1773
Born
1814
A daughter is born
15 Sep 1834
Dies in Tallinn
He lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1771
A devastating bubonic plague epidemic killed between 52,000 and 100,000 people in Moscow, about one-sixth to one-third of the city's population.
What people wore
Inherited silk festive clothing of wealthy families
Merchant and wealthy peasant women cherished festive clothing made from thick silk fabrics like satin and brocade, which were passed down through generations. These colorful, expensive garments were often adorned with large, bright floral patterns that reflected a blend of European trends and traditional folk art.
Daily life
Home-based literacy for children
Due to a lack of public schools, children in noble families typically began learning literacy at home between the ages of 5 and 8. Teachers were often parents, relatives, local priests, or even household servants who knew how to read and write.
In the news1773–1775
A massive peasant and Cossack uprising led by Yemelyan Pugachev broke out, threatening the social structure of the empire.
Music
Social work-based gatherings for youth
In urban areas, young people gathered for work-related social events like kapustki, where they engaged in cabbage chopping followed by singing and dancing once the older generation left the room. These gatherings served as important occasions for unmarried youth to socialize and choose a marriage partner.
In Europe1772–1795
Russia, Prussia and Austria divided Poland among themselves in three steps until, in 1795, it vanished from the map for 123 years.
Getting around
Horse-drawn travel at 5 km/h
In the late 18th century, nobility and officials primarily traveled between towns in horse-drawn carriages, kibitkas, or sledges in winter, with an average speed of about 5 km/h.